Firefighters are battling a massive blaze that sparked overnight at a house where residents claimed to have heard a “explosion”. Locals in Violet Close, Newcastle, are being advised to keep their windows and doors shut following the incident.
The fire started at roughly 12.45am, and road restrictions have been put in place in the vicinity of the “large scale incident”. Northern Gas Networks engineers are there at the scene together with blue light workers.
It is currently unknown what caused the large blaze, or if there are any casualties, although some people reported hearing an “explosion”. A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “Shortly before 12.45am today (Wednesday), police were contacted by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, who are dealing with a fire at an address in the Violet Close area of Newcastle, the Mirror reports.
“Emergency services remain in attendance at the scene. Road closures are in place on Buddle Road and the surrounding area, and motorists and residents are advised to avoid the area and to keep doors and windows closed if they see and smell smoke.”
One resident has asked for neighbours to donate goods as she called for the community to “come together”. She wrote: “If anyone in the Newcastle area can donate blankets, bottles of water or anything to Merton Lodge Community Group be very much appreciated.
“There’s been a gas explosion in violet close 5 mins away. Our street is okay, this is a time where we come together as a community for this tragic turn of events, thank you.”
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service added: “We currently have several firefighting appliances in attendance at a large scale incident in Violet Close, Newcastle. Please avoid the area and keep doors and windows closed until further notice. Thank you.”
A Northern Gas Networks spokesman said: “Northern Gas Networks (NGN) engineers are this morning (October 16) responding to an incident in the area of Violet Close, Newcastle, Tyne and Wear. Our teams are supporting the emergency services during this ongoing incident.
“Anyone who smells gas or suspects carbon monoxide should call the National Gas Emergency Service immediately on 0800 111 999. This line is in operation 24-hours a day, seven days a week.”
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